ICE agents confirmed in Pleasantville, Officials holding 'open dialogue' meeting next week to discuss polices & procedures
Village officials say the Pleasantville Police Department was notified that ICE agents would be in the area to locate a specific individual with a criminal warrant.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were reportedly spotted Thursday morning on Wheeler Street in downtown Pleasantville, a street known for its vibrant food and service businesses.
Village officials say the Pleasantville Police Department was notified that ICE agents would be in the area to locate a specific individual with a criminal warrant.
Business owners, who preferred anonymity, reported seeing approximately eight ICE agents. The community had mixed reactions, with some residents expressing discomfort over the presence of federal immigration enforcement in their peaceful town.
"We just call it home, and we just feel very safe. So, the fact that they're here is disconcerting because it's like, what is going on? It feels maybe too invasive,"saidJames Bourke, of Yorktown.
One local business owner was given a flyer in both English and Spanish advising on how to respond if detained by ICE.
Next Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Pleasantville Police Chief Erik Grutzner, and Village Trustee W. Paul Alvarez, will host a meeting both in person and virtually on polices and procedures related to immigration status.
Chief Grutzner hopes the meeting will ensure residents feel comfortable, regardless of their status, contacting police.
"For local law enforcement, that is not an issue. That is not something we take into account in these types of situations, so we want people to know they can still feel comfortable to come to us," said Chief Grutzner.
News 12 contacted ICE, who said it cannot confirm or discuss ongoing operations for security and safety reasons.
It is unclear at this time whether or not the individual was taken into custody.
In response to the situation, Pleasantville Superintendent Dr. Tina Desa released a statement saying the district will be adhering to Gov. Kathy Hochul's guidance on safeguarding rights of immigrant students.
The mayor of Pleasantville was additionally contacted, but has not returned News 12's calls.
